Vividly Dim was born in the living room of its two founding members Joni Stephens and Chasidy Ryan. Both shared an eclectic taste in music they had no problem starting the project as an acoustic one. First writing
together “Brother Bond” based on a tragic loss they had in common the lost of their older brothers. Later writing “Travesty” touching on racial discrimination and how it effects an image-based society. It was clear they
were on to something.
Joni born in Managua, Nicaragua settled with his family in the Jamaica section of Queens at age 6. There he grew up listening to various Reggae, and R&B
artists. Later his taste grew to the controversial lyrical stylings of “Tupac Shakur" and "Bone Thugs-N-Harmony." In his mid-teens a rebellious but introverted loner Joni longed for something to bring him out of his shell. While digging through his older brother’s CDs collection he came across Green Day's "Dookie" and Nirvana’s "Nevermind" the rest was history. He gave away all his Reggae, R&B and Hip Hop CD’s to make room for Punk, Metal and Classic Rock. He found his calling listening to guitar legends such as Jimi Hendrix, Tom Morello,and Johnny Ramone. Collaborating on several metal projects with his close college friend Angel, he finally found what he was looking for with Chasidy.
Chasidy was born in the Bushwick/Williamsburg border of Brooklyn, a predominately hispanic neighborhood was raised listening to Salsa, Merengue, and Freestyle. Her mother on the other hand loved “The Doors,” “Three Dog Night” and “David Bowie," also enjoyed New Wave
artists: "Culture Club", "Tears for Fears", "Human League" and "Duran Duran". She loved to sing and dance to her mothers 45s performing at family functions. At age 11 she was accepted to the Phillipa Schuyler School for the Gifted and Talented. There her love for singing flourished in their choir led by former NYU Music Theory Professor Roy A. Prescod. During Chasidy's years in the choir, they won many competitions, sang for former Mayor Rudolph Guiliani and toured with the Harlem Boys Choir. Sadly as she approached puberty self-image issues caused her to develop severe stage fright and stop singing publicly altogether. Until her meeting with Joni who reignited her love of singing and creating music.
Now together as “VD” they have several successful shows under their belts
and a steadily growing fanbase; they are currently working on their demo
called “Wastland Paradise”. So keep your eyes and ears open for
that and stay in tuned.
